The air was warm, buzzing with nerves and excitement as students poured into the school compound. It was the first day of high school. Khrisana stood quietly among the crowd, her body stiff with uncertainty, She kept her head low, her eyes flicking around the sea of unfamiliar faces. None of her old classmates were there. Thank god, she thought. A small sigh of relief escaped her lips. Maybe this means I get to start over. The students were directed to their new classes, and soon, she found herself seated at the back of the room that felt too bright and too load. Laughter filled the air, new friendships were already forming, and chatter bounced from wall to wall like echoes of a world she didn't belong to.

Khrisana sank into her seat, her back slightly hunched, hoping one one noticed her. Please don't notice me, she whispered to herself. Her fingers twisted in her lap, her heart pounding every time someone walked by. The teacher walked in young, glasses balanced an the tip of her noes and clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright class, quiet down! Let's go around and introduce ourselves. Name, one thing you like, and what you're hoping for this school year." One by one, students stood up and spoke with boldness and ease. Laughter and applause followed most of them. Then... it was her turn. Khrisana hesitated. Her chair scraped against the tile as she stood slowly. she could feel the weight of every eye turn to her, each stare a sharp sting on her skin. 

"I...I-I'm..." her voice shook. She swallowed hard, trying to push the lump in her throat away. "My name is... Khrisana  Edwards. I... I like writing.. and  I just want a fresh start." She sat down quickly. The silence was thick for a moment, then the teacher smiled warmly. "Thank you, Khrisana. That was very brave ." But not everyone was kind. As the classed moved on, she could hear a few whispers and giggles behind her. Here we go again, she thought, sinking even lower in her seat. Later that day, during break, she sat alone under a tree on the edge of the schoolyard, picking at the crust of her sandwich. Her peace was broken by a snicker. "Well if it isn't miss stutter," a boy sneered. A small group had gathered behind him, eye sharp, ready to poke fun. She didn't respond. She didn't even look up. "Yo, pick on someone else," came a voice from the side. A girl, tall and confident, stepped forward. her hair in two puffs, her arms crossed. "You think you're cool harassing someone who ain't even talking to you?" the girl said eyes narrowed. The group mumbled and slowly backed off. Khrisana looked up, surprise. The girl turned to her and offered a small grin. 

"I'm Amara. You alright?" Khrisana nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. "Cool. You don't have to be alone, y'know. People like them ain't worth your time." For the first time all day, Khrisana felt something shift something small, but powerful. Maybe... just maybe .. she wouldn't be alone this time